Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o Handed Six-Month Ban by Fifa Disciplinary Panel
Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), has been issued a six-month ban from attending any international matches involving Cameroon, following a decision by a Fifa disciplinary panel. The former Barcelona and Chelsea star was penalized for breaching two articles of Fifa’s disciplinary code.
The ban stems from the Under-20 Women’s World Cup last-16 match between Cameroon and Brazil on 11 September, where Brazil triumphed 3-1 after extra time. According to Fifa, the violations occurred during the match in Bogota, Colombia, which Eto’o attended.
Violations and Sanctions
A Fifa statement cited breaches related to offensive behavior, violations of the principles of fair play, and misconduct by players and officials. As a result, the 43-year-old is prohibited from attending all football matches involving Cameroon’s men’s and women’s teams, across all categories and age groups.
Fifa confirmed that the sanction is effective immediately and that Eto’o has been notified.
Cameroon’s Upcoming Fixtures
Cameroon’s men’s team is set to face Kenya in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualification double-header in October. Eto’o had chaired a meeting in Douala earlier in the week to discuss preparations for the match against the Harambee Stars on 11 October.
Fecafoot has been contacted for comment.
A Controversial Time in Office
This latest ban adds to Eto’o’s turbulent tenure as Fecafoot president. In July, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) fined him $200,000 for an ethics breach. Caf’s disciplinary panel found that the four-time African Footballer of the Year had violated the principles of ethics, integrity, and sportsmanship by signing a contract as an ambassador for the betting company 1XBET.
Eto’o’s legal team announced plans to appeal the verdict, which followed a Caf investigation that found insufficient evidence to pursue allegations related to match-fixing.
Despite a stellar playing career with Cameroon and in Europe, Eto’o has faced significant controversy since being elected Fecafoot president in 2021. Last year, a group representing amateur clubs in Cameroon called for his resignation, citing “grave irregularities” at Fecafoot. Additionally, one former international teammate labeled Eto’o a “dictator” for the way he has managed the organization.
Earlier this year, Eto’o engaged in a dispute with the nation’s Ministry of Sport over the appointment of Marc Brys as head coach of the Indomitable Lions, before ultimately accepting the Belgian’s hiring.
